One of the most devastating things that can happen to your home is water damage, which can come from broken pipes, leaking appliances or storm damage. It takes just hours for water to cause structural damage and mold growth, both of which can make your property unsafe. By knowing what to do in these situations, you can take control and prevent further damage to your home.
Here are six immediate steps to take when water damage impacts your home in Harlingen TX.
1. Call Your Insurance Company
The first thing to do is get in touch with your insurance company. Let them know that your home has been affected by water damage. They will send out an adjuster to look at the damage and determine what repairs and restorations you need. This also starts a paper trail, which is important when filing a claim. The more documentation you have, the better.
2. Protect Yourself and Your Valuables
The next step is to protect you, your family and your pets. Flooding and water damage can cause electrical problems, as well as bring bacteria into your space, so it’s important that you’re safe. Turn off the power and wear protective clothing, such as rubber boots and gloves. If you have valuables, place them up high or remove them from the home.
3. Start Water Damage Repair
Water extraction services in Harlingen should start within 48 hours or less. The less time the water is allowed to spread, the better. A water restoration service will remove excess water using professional-grade equipment. This makes it much faster and easier compared to what a single person could do.
Keep in mind that the water extraction and restoration process can be intensive. We may have to remove the flooring, drywall and insulation to prevent mold and mildew growth. Furniture may also need to be dried out or thrown away.
4. Dry Out the Area
Once all of the water has been extracted, the drying process will start. Our company uses commercial-grade fans, dehumidifiers and driers to soak up any remaining water. It’s important that you don’t rush back in, otherwise this could put your home at risk for mold, mildew and other lingering issues.
5. Identify Possible Mold
Mold spores can be spread throughout the home as you attempt to dry things off, so it’s important that you know how to identify it. Mold is commonly found in basements, showers and closets. If mold is present, you’ll need a mold remediation service to eliminate mold in the home.
6. Decide What to Restore
When everything is finally clean and dry, you can decide what to keep and what not to keep. Some things may need to be restored, so it’s helpful to choose a company that does it all. It’s not uncommon for our water restoration experts to replace walls, floors and cabinets.
If your Harlingen home has suffered water damage, get in touch with Texas Elite Restoration and Cleaning today. We provide fast, efficient water extraction and dry out services, and we can even pack up your valuables for safekeeping while your home is restored.